Movie review: 'Backwards' rows merrily along

Friday

Sep 28, 2012 at 12:01 AMSep 28, 2012 at 9:02 AM

Acclaimed theater veteran Sarah Megan Thomas moves forward with her first film, “Backwards,” an overly safe sports drama based in part on her experiences as a rower. And, while things do row merrily along, the result is nothing more than a glorified after-school special best suited as a lead-in for “Bunheads” or “Secret Life of the American Teenager” on ABC Family.

Dana Barbuto

Acclaimed theater veteran Sarah Megan Thomas moves forward with her first film, “Backwards,” an overly safe sports drama based in part on her experiences as a rower. And, while things do row merrily along, the result is nothing more than a glorified after-school special best suited as a lead-in for “Bunheads” or “Secret Life of the American Teenager” on ABC Family.

In addition to writing and producing the picture, Thomas also stars as Abi, a slightly washed-up Olympic rower faintly harboring hopes of winning a gold medal up until fate betrays her. Turning 30, Abi finds herself back home with her overbearing mother (Margaret Colin from “Gossip Girl”). She also meets cute with her former flame, Geoff (James Van Der Beek from TV’s “Don’t Trust the B**** in Apt. 23”), who hooks her up with a job coaching the high school crew team at her alma mater. Will Abi lead them to glory? Will Abi and Geoff rekindle the flame? Will Abi and her mom find common ground? You know the answers.

Through earning the trust and respect of her young rowers – Alexandra Metz and Meredith Apfelbaum – Abi finally learns to meet her problems head-on, and just in time for third-act redemption. Along the way the movie hits you over the head with lessons of sacrifice, ambition, teamwork and friendship.

In their film debuts, Metz and Apfelbaum, do their best with cookie-cutter characters, as does Glenn Morshower as Abi’s Belichick-ian coach.

Director Ben Hickernell (“Lebanon, PA”), rows, err, rolls with the punches, but is hamstrung by a clichéd script heavy on pedestrian dialogue. Minor characters come and go, their conflicts wrapping up often within a single scene. There’s never any tension or surprises, but Thomas is earnest in her delivery. Perhaps the next time she dips her blades in the water, Thomas will draw more on her celebrated drama experience.

Dana Barbuto may be reached at dbarbuto@ledger.com.

BACKWARDS

(PG for some mild language.) Cast includes Sarah Sarah Megan Thomas and James Van Der Beek. 2 stars out of 4.

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